Breathable transparent adhesive bra

ABSTRACT

An adhesive bra element comprising a transparent member to be used a bra cup and having a plurality of through apertures over the area of the transparent member to provide breathability.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a transparent bra and, more particularly, to an adhesive transparent bra.

It is desirable in the selection of undergarments to have a bra which provides support for a user's breasts and which would not become obviously visible when the user wears sheer or revealing clothing. Particularly, a common problem associated with conventional bras is the visibility of the bra's outline through the user's clothing. Additionally, a portion of the bra often becomes visible if the user's clothing shifts as a result of the user's body movement. While it is aesthetically desirable that the user's bra remain concealed from view, it is also essential for the safety and comfort of the user to have a bra that is breathable.

To make the appearance or outline of a bra less conspicuous, conventional bras have been made from transparent materials such as transparent rubber or plastics. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,296,728 discloses a conventional bra having cups manufactured from a transparent waterproof material such as a porous plastic or a porous rubber. The '728 patent also discloses that apertures or surface treatment may be added to the bra cups for ornamental purposes.

Adhesive bras are also known in the art. An example of a typical opaque adhesive bra is disclosed in a commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. D485,965. In addition, conventional adhesive bras have been made from transparent materials. However, these transparent adhesive bras have not thus far been made from sufficiently breathable materials. As a result, the lack of breathability of the bra often causes its user to experience great discomfort, such as itching, blisters and other skin irritation problems.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a transparent adhesive bra for wearing with a variety of sheer and low-cut clothing which gives support and is sufficiently breathable so as to allow for greater comfort to the user's skin.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the above and other objectives are realized in an adhesive bra element comprising a transparent member to be used as a bra cup and having a plurality of through apertures over the area of the transparent member. The transparent member is formed from a transparent layer and a clear adhesive layer disposed on a surface of the transparent layer. The bra element also comprises a backing layer which is affixed to the adhesive layer of the transparent member.

In the illustrative embodiment of the invention to be enclosed herein, two bra elements are provided to form a bra. A method for fabricating the bra elements is also disclosed

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features and aspects of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a breathable transparent adhesive bra in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a back view of the breathable transparent adhesive bra of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the transparent adhesive bra of FIGS. 1 and 2; and

FIG. 4 is a back view of an alternative embodiment of one of the bra cups of the adhesive bra of FIGS. 1 and 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a breathable transparent adhesive bra 1 in accordance with the principles of the present invention. FIGS. 1 and 2 show a front view and a back view, respectively, of the bra 1 in an unworn state. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the bra 1 includes first and second bra elements to be used as a right bra cup 3 a and a left bra cup 3 b, which are symmetrical.

In the illustrative case, the bra cups 3 a, 3 b have a shape which can be used with revealing and low-cut garments. However, it is understood that the shape of the cups 3 a, 3 b may vary and need not be as shown in FIG. 1. For example, the cups 3 a, 3 b may have an oval or a petal shape, which are typically suitable for garments with plunging necklines and provide additional support for the user's breasts. An example of another shape is shown in the aforementioned design U.S. Pat. No. D485,965. The cups 3 a, 3 b may also vary in size.

Additionally, as shown, the cups 3 a, 3 b are not connected to one another, allowing the user to apply each cup 3 a, 3 b individually and to adjust the application of each cup 3 a, 3 b according to the user's needs and breast shape.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each bra cup 3 a, 3 b has a front surface 2 and a back surface 4. The front surface 2 is shown in more detail in FIG. 1, and the back surface 4, which is the surface facing the user's breast, is shown in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, each cup 3 a, 3 b of the bra 1 comprises a breathable transparent member 5 having one surface forming the front face 2 of the bra 1 and an opposing surface 7. The transparent member 5 comprises a transparent layer 11 and a clear adhesive layer 17 (see, FIG. 2) disposed on the transparent layer 11 and forming the surface 7 of the member 5.

The transparent member 5 also includes a plurality of through apertures 13 a disposed over substantially the entire surface area of the member. The apertures 13 a allow for a air exchange between the user's skin attached to the respective bra cup and the outside air such that, for example, perspiration is allowed to evaporate from the user's skin when the bra 1 is worn. Accordingly, the bra 1 is made breathable and safe for the user.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, each bra cup 3 a, 3 b also includes a backing layer 15, which is releasably affixed to the transparent member 5 of the bra 1. The backing layer 15 adheres to the clear adhesive layer 17 of the transparent member 5 and is described in more detail below. As shown, the backing layer 15 is separated, or peeled off, from the transparent member 5, when using the respective bra cup. In FIGS. 1 and 2, for illustrative purposes, a portion of the backing layer 15 is peeled off from the transparent member 5 of each cup 3 a, 3 b.

As shown more clearly in FIG. 3, the entire inside surface 7 of the transparent member 5 of the bra 1 is covered by the backing layer 15. The clear adhesive layer 17 holds the backing layer 15 in place until it is removed by the user. As can be appreciated, the backing layer 15 acts to protect the adhesive layer 17 from dirt and from drying out. When the user separates, or peels off, the backing layer 15 from the transparent member 5, the adhesive layer 17 remains on the transparent layer 11 of the transparent member 5 so that the bra 1 can be applied and adhere to the user's skin.

As is also seen more clearly in FIG. 3, the apertures 13 a extending through the transparent member 5 act as small or micro pores, making the bra 1 breathable. In the case shown, the apertures 13 a are disposed over the surface area of the member 5 at approximately regular intervals and allow for air exchange between the user's skin and the atmosphere. The size and frequency of the through apertures 13 a are selected so as to provide sufficient breathability for the respective bra cup, while not affecting the wearability, durability and opacity of the cup. A usable range for the size of the apertures 13 a is between 0.005 to 0.010 inches and a usable range for the distance between the apertures is between 0.050 to 0.075 inches. A range for the density of the apertures is between and 80 apertures per square inch to 200 apertures per square inch.

As shown, the backing layer 15 is the same size as, and is continuous with, the transparent member 5. However, the backing layer 15 may be of a different size from the transparent member 5, and, in particular, may be larger than the transparent member 5, to make the separation of the backing layer 15 from the transparent member 5 easier.

As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the backing layer 15 also includes a plurality of through apertures 13 b aligned with the through apertures 13 a in the transparent member 5. Alternatively, the backing layer 15 can be formed without apertures, since the backing layer 15 is removed by the user prior to wearing the bra 1. However, in manufacturing the bra cups 3 a, 3 b, as described in detail herein below, it may be more convenient to provide through apertures in the member 5 by forming apertures which pass through all the layers of the bra cup which would include the backing layer.

FIG. 4 shows an alternative arrangement for the backing layer of each of the bra cups 3 a, 3 b. Only, the bra cup 3 a is shown, but the bra cup 3 b would be similar. As shown in FIG. 3, the backing layer 15 is formed to have two separated portions 14, 16 to assist the user in separating the backing layer from the transparent member 5. In this way, the user may bend the bra cup 3 a to initiate the separation of the backing layer 15 from the transparent member 5. As can be appreciated, to provide further assistance to the user in separating the backing layer 15 from the transparent member 5, the portions 14 a, 16 a of the backing layer overlap to create flap portions which can be lifted by the user to initiate the separation.

The transparent layer 11 of the transparent member 5 may be formed from a thin and flexible porous plastic material, such as polyethylene film. The thickness of the transparent layer 11 may vary, with the preferred thickness of the layer 11 being in the range of 0.5 mils to 3.0 mils. The clear adhesive layer 17 of the transparent member 5 can be a medical grade adhesive for adhering the bra cups 3 a, 3 b to the user's skin. It is important that the adhesive be non-irritating to the skin of the user. For example, a non-sensitizing adhesive may be used as the adhesive layer 17 of the transparent member 5. As can be appreciated, other conventional adhesive materials may also be suitable for use as the adhesive layer 17.

The backing layer 15 of the bra 1 may be formed from a flexible material having a smooth surface. A suitable material might be a coated paper such as, for example, 78 pound release Kraft liner. The backing layer 15 adheres to the inside surface 7 of the transparent member 5 which is formed by the clear adhesive layer 17. The smooth surface of the backing layer 15 material allows the backing layer 15 to be peeled off to expose the adhesive layer 17 without removing the adhesive from the transparent layer 11.

The bra 1 of FIGS. 1-4 can be manufactured using various processes. An illustrative method of manufacturing the bra 1 will now be described.

A sheet of backing layer material is first coated with a medical grade adhesive. A transparent layer is then applied to the adhesive layer of the adhesively coated backing layer by passing the transparent layer and the adhesively coated backing layer through the nip of a roller. The resultant substrate thus comprises a backing layer, followed by an adhesive layer followed by a transparent layer. Alternately, this substrate can be formed by applying the adhesive layer to the transparent layer first and then passing this layered structure with the backing material through the nip of a roller.

Once the layered substrate of backing material, adhesive layer and transparent layer is formed, through apertures are then created over the surface area of the substrate. A usable method for forming the apertures 13 is conventional ultrasonic processing. This processing causes small holes, or apertures 13, to be “burned” through all of the layers of the substrate using ultrasonic waves. The through apertures may be formed in a random pattern or any other selected pattern. A particular example of aperture size is 0.005 to 0.010 inches and a particular example of the distance between apertures is 0.050 to 0.075 inches. However, the aperture size and the distance between the apertures can vary depending on the thickness of the transparent member, the desired breathability and the intended style and size of the bra 1.

Once the layered substrate is provided with through apertures, the substrate can be cut into various shapes to form the cups 3 a, 3 b of the adhesive bra 1. Die cutting is the preferred method of cutting the bra cups 3 a, 3 b from the layered substrate. However, other well-known methods may also be used to cut the substrate. Moreover, if it is desired that the backing layer for each bra cup be formed as separated portions, the substrate can be subjected to so-called “kiss cutting” from the backing layer side at appropriate locations to form the separated backing portions. As above-described, the shapes and sizes of the bra cups can vary depending upon the intended use of the bra, the user's breast size and other factors.

In all cases it is understood that the above-described arrangements are merely illustrative of the many possible specific embodiments which represent applications of the present invention. Numerous and varied other arrangements can be readily devised in accordance with the principles of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined by the accompanying claims. 

1. An adhesive bra element comprising a transparent member to be used as a bra cup and having a plurality of through apertures over the area of the transparent member to provide breathability.
 2. An adhesive bra element according to claim 1, wherein said transparent member comprises a transparent layer and a transparent adhesive disposed on a first surface of said transparent layer.
 3. An adhesive bra element according to claim 2, wherein said transparent layer comprises a transparent polyethylene film.
 4. An adhesive bra element according to claim 3, wherein said transparent adhesive comprises a medical grade adhesive.
 5. An adhesive bra element according to claim 4, further comprising a backing layer affixed to said adhesive.
 6. An adhesive bra element according to claim 5, wherein said backing layer comprises coated paper.
 7. An adhesive bra element according to claim 2, further comprising a backing layer affixed to said adhesive.
 8. An adhesive bra element according to claim 7, wherein said backing layer has a plurality of through apertures aligned with the plurality of through apertures in the transparent member.
 9. An adhesive bra element according to claim 8, wherein said transparent layer comprises transparent polyethylene film.
 10. An adhesive bra element according to claim 9, wherein said transparent adhesive comprises a medical grade adhesive.
 11. An adhesive bra element according to claim 10, wherein said backing layer comprises coated paper.
 12. An adhesive bra element according to claim 11, wherein the size of said through apertures in said transparent member and in said backing layer is in a range of 0.005 to 0.010 inches.
 13. An adhesive bra according to claim 12, wherein the distance between said through apertures in said transparent member and in said backing layer is in the range of 0.050 to 0.075 inches.
 14. An adhesive bra element according to claim 7, wherein the backing layer has a first portion and a second portion.
 15. An adhesive bra element according to claim 14, wherein said first portion and said second portion overlap forming a first flap portion and a second flap portion.
 16. An adhesive bra according to claim 2, wherein the size of said through apertures in said transparent member is in a range of 0.005 to 0.010 inches.
 17. An adhesive bra element according to claim 16, wherein the distance between said through apertures in said transparent member is in the range of 0.050 to 0.075 inches.
 18. An adhesive bra according to claim 17, wherein the thickness of said transparent layer is in a range of 0.5 mils to 3.0 mils.
 19. An adhesive bra element according to claim 18, wherein the density of said through apertures in said transparent member is between 80 apertures per square inch to 200 apertures per square inch.
 20. An adhesive bra element according to claim 1, wherein the size of said through apertures in said transparent member is in a range of 0.005 to 0.010 inches.
 21. An adhesive bra element according to claim 20, wherein distance between said through apertures in said transparent member is in the range of 0.050 to 0.075 inches.
 22. An adhesive bra comprising: a first adhesive bra element comprising a first transparent member to be used as a first as a first cup; and a second adhesive bra element comprising a second transparent member to be used as a second cup, wherein said first transparent member and said second transparent member each have a plurality of through apertures over the area of the transparent member to provide breathability.
 23. An adhesive bra according to claim 22, wherein said first transparent member comprises a first transparent layer and a first transparent adhesive disposed on a surface of said first transparent layer and said second transparent member comprises a second transparent layer and a second transparent adhesive disposed on a surface of said second transparent layer.
 24. An adhesive bra according to claim 23, further comprising a first backing layer affixed to said first transparent adhesive and a second backing layer affixed to said second transparent adhesive.
 25. An adhesive bra according to claim 24, wherein said first backing layer and said second backing layer have a plurality of through apertures aligned with the plurality of through apertures in said first and second transparent members, respectively.
 26. An adhesive bra according to claim 25, wherein said first transparent layer and said second transparent layer comprise transparent polyethylene film.
 27. An adhesive bra according to claim 26, wherein said first transparent adhesive and said second transparent adhesive comprise a medical grade adhesive.
 28. An adhesive bra according to claim 27, wherein said first backing member and said second backing member comprise coated paper.
 29. An adhesive bra according to claim 28, wherein the through apertures in said first and second transparent members and the through apertures in said first and second backing members have a size in the range of 0.005 to 0.010 inches and have an aperture-to-aperture distance in a range of 0.050 to 0.075 inches.
 30. An adhesive bra according to claim 25, wherein the through apertures in said first and second transparent members and the through apertures in said first and second backing members have a size in the range of 0.005 to 0.010 inches and have an aperture-to-aperture distance in a range of 0.050 to 0.075 inches.
 31. An adhesive bra according to claim 24, wherein said first backing layer comprises at least a first portion and a second portion and said second backing layer comprises at least a third portion and a fourth portion.
 32. An adhesive bra according to claim 30, wherein said first portion and said second portion overlap forming a first flap portion and a second flap portion and said third portion and said fourth portion overlap forming a third flap portion and a fourth flap portion.
 33. An adhesive bra according to claim 23, wherein the through apertures in said first and second transparent members have a size in the range of 0.005 to 0.010 inches and have an aperture-to-aperture distance in a range of 0.050 to 0.075 inches.
 34. An adhesive bra according to claim 33, wherein said first and second transparent layers each have a thickness in a range of 0.5 mils to 3.0 mils and the density of said through apertures in said first and second transparent members is between 80 apertures per square inch to 200 apertures per square inch.
 35. A method of forming a breathable adhesive bra element to be used as a bra cup comprising the steps of: providing a transparent member; forming a plurality of through apertures over the area of said transparent member to provide breathability.
 36. A method according to claim 35, wherein said forming comprises ultrasonically processing said transparent member to form said through apertures.
 37. A method according to claim 36, wherein said through apertures have a size in the range of 0.005 to 0.010 inches and have an aperture-to-aperture distance in a range of 0.050 to 0.075 inches.
 38. A method according to claim 35, wherein said providing said transparent member comprises providing an adhesive layer on a surface of one of a backing layer and a transparent layer and joining the other of said backing layer and said transparent layer to said adhesive layer to form a substrate.
 39. A method according claim 38, wherein the other of said backing layer and said transparent layer is joined to said adhesive layer at a nip of a roller.
 40. A method according to claim 38, wherein said forming comprises creating through apertures through said substrate.
 41. A method according to claim 40, wherein said creating comprises ultrasonically processing said substrate to provide said through apertures through said substrate.
 42. A method according to claim 40, wherein said through apertures through said substrate have a size in the range of 0.005 to 0.010 inches and have an aperture-to-aperture distance in a range of 0.050 to 0.075 inches.
 43. A method according to claim 42, wherein said transparent layer has a thickness in a range of 0.5 mils to 3.0 mils and the density of said through apertures in said substrate is between 80 apertures per square inch to 200 apertures per square inch.
 44. A method according to claim 43, wherein said transparent layer comprises transparent polyethylene film and said adhesive layer comprises a medical grade adhesive.
 45. A method according to claim 44, wherein said backing layer comprises coated paper.
 46. A method according to claim 36, further comprising cutting said substrate in the shape of said bra cup.
 47. A method according to claim 46, wherein said cutting is die cutting. 